It’s rare that an important statewide public official has the courage to tell it like it is and speak forcefully, clearly and courageously on the central policy issues of the day. Dr. Bill Harrison, Chair of the State Board of Education is one such individual.

“Today, we are at a turning point in public education. Some opinion leaders choose to ignore our progress and use inaccurate information to claim that North Carolina’s public school system is broken beyond repair so they can advocate for completely different models of education. Others see the progress that has been made and believe we must continually “remodel” our existing structure of public schools to meet ever-changing student needs.

I believe that one thing is certain. If we don’t try to maintain a structure in which public schools are central, we are left with many different types of schools that are not held accountable to the same standards and that do not provide equal access or opportunities for all students. That model of an education system will not sustain progress. It will not meet the needs of all students. It will not serve as the foundation of our democracy. It will not be the engine to our economy. And it does not support the common good.”

2 Comments

Dr. James P. Coon

May 3, 2012 at 11:00 am

Dr. Harrison:

Thanks for being the “voice of reason” and for supporting every child in North Carolina to become Career and College Ready. Only a strong public school system will help every child realize their full potential to prepare them for the future and it is the only system that will help us maintain a strong and vibrant democratic society. You are one of the State’s strongest advocates for every child and I pray that others will support your efforts!

Ernest Logemann

May 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. If it were not for public education, I would not be where I am today. I would not have been able to provide as I did for my family and I would not enjoy life as I do. In the past two years, I have seen a very destructive pattern put forth by the leadership of the General Assembly. Hopefully, we can change that direction in 2012. Thank you Dr. Harrison for standing up for the importance of public education.

Upcoming Events

Friday, Feb. 16

12:00 PM

Crucial Conversation – Prof. Peter Edelman discusses his new book, Not a Crime to be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America

Prof. Edelman is coming to the Triangle to mark the 50th anniversary of Durham-based nonprofit MDC. His visit is the first of a series of MDC-sponsored events focused on ways that Southern leaders can work together to create an Infrastructure of Opportunity that shapes a South where all people thrive.”